Compassion in America

What does American compassion look like for the rest of the world?

It’s been quite a ride in our country for the past few years. It feels like our political, racial, and gender divide is widening with little hope in sight. When other countries hear or read about some of the racist political rhetoric about immigration, African Americans, how does it affect their perception of Americans?

When we have politicians stereotyping immigrants seeking asylum in our country as rapists, gang members, and dirt, what does it say about our humanity?

What happened to the country that stated, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”? How can we build communities that are diverse and inclusive when we are ostracizing those who do not fit or standard of Americanism?

So as we approach the holiday season, I want you to ask yourself, what can you do to bring compassion into your life, your home, your community, your place of employment, your school, or your place of worship?

We may not be able to change how others see us a country, but we can begin to show, “…that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”- Margaret Meade

About Marie Roker-Jones

Marie Roker-Jones is the Founder of Raising Great Men™ which provides parenting programs and workshops for raising boys and navigating the challenges of military deployments. Marie created #ManYouWantToBe, programs that help boys and young men to "mind up", not man up. Marie is co-founder of #CompassionConvos, #CompassionConvos are cross and inter-generational conversations using social media, online and in person around difficult subjects of bias. Conversations include, and are not limited to racism, sexism, homophobia and xenophobia. These conversations challenge biases through dialogue and taking action. Follow her on Twitter, LinkedIn, and G+